Magic Mushrooms

“Fall seven times, Stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

Well, I could not have said it any better. When something seems to work on this crazy journey, I take notice... cannot help but take notice. Three cheers for Cordyceps! I have fallen many time on this journey, but the reason I keep standing is because of things like Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Slow Flow, Cordyceps, Ultrasound, Chiropractic and Dry Needling/Physical Therapy that seem to really work for me and my many issues. They provide me a clear understanding that yes, I have chronic health issues, but if I keep "standing" up after falling so many times, I might just keep on standing because I found a solution or at least something that helps provide a better quality of life. Cordyceps is my magic mushroom and I'm sad we didn't try it sooner, but so glad to be able to benefit from it now. Here are some of the positive things I've noticed since adding Cordyceps to my regimen:

.       Energy and stamina are better, but energy seems to still wane in the afternoon & evening (lots of yawning)

.       Sleeping much better

.       Waking feeling more rested

.       Less/lighter headaches

.       Psoriasis seems much calmer

.       Reduced pain in muscles & joints 

.       Plantar fasciitis seems to be improving

.       Better outlook, much more hopeful, more even keeled

.       Less affected by stress

Cordyceps

Yay Cordyceps! That said, I'm currently in the midst of a Costochondritis flare, which is painful, but not nearly as bad as the last one I had. I've had success with Dry Needling and Physical Therapy and my PT encouraged me to begin pilates. I enjoyed my first class on Saturday, but unfortunately I was  at the tail end of a flare up during class and the pressure from the shoulder pads on the reformer was just enough to cause issues with my ribs and clavicle after the class. I could feel everything pop once I stood up from the reformer and that was when I knew I was in trouble and I'd be feeling pain later. That said, I'm excited about the pilates and being able to strengthen some of those muscles so that I can reduce or mitigate future flare ups.

Update on my labs - My ASI labs came back and my Cortisol is high in the morning and during late night, so that explains the crazy weight gain and inability to loose as well as crashing after workouts and being exhasted in the afternoon and evening and waking at odd hours. My Naturopath has started me on SeriPhos which is supposed to be taken when Cortisol is at its highest and its purpose is to plug up the cortisol receptors and help the pituitary to return to more optimal function. It may be a while before I can tell its affects.

As for the Lyme labs they were inconclusive. I had a couple bands show positive, but still not enough to tell exactly what is going on, so that means there is a need for further testing. I'm kind of in this holding pattern right now because my doctor want s to be sure she is fully educated on the matters surrounding Lyme testing before we move forward. There is so much controversy and confusion all the way around for patient and doctor when venturing into the Lyme world. I'm glad she is dotting her "i's" and crossing her "t's" before we move forward. It is a scary place to venture and I'm aprehensive, but I know I'm in good hands. Stay tuned for further information.

Hoping all my friends and family on the east coast have weathered the storm. You are in my thoughts.

On a lighter note, my hubby and I are taking a hookie day on Friday to see the new Bond flick. Cannot wait. I'm also looking forward to friends and family this month for Thanksgiving. It is my second favorite holiday. Some of my best memories are from Thanksgivings past.